U.S. patent application number 13/033451 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-23 for system and method for a modular fluid handling system with modes in a modular data center.
This patent application is currently assigned to DELL PRODUCTS L.P.. Invention is credited to Mark M. Bailey, Tyler Duncan, Ty Schmitt.
Application Number | 20120212901 13/033451 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46652560 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120212901 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schmitt; Ty ; et
al. |
August 23, 2012 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A MODULAR FLUID HANDLING SYSTEM WITH MODES IN
A MODULAR DATA CENTER
Abstract
In accordance with the present disclosure, a system and method
for a modular fluid handling system with modes in a modular data
center is presented. According to the present application, a
modular data center may include a modular primary structure. The
modular primary structure may include a plurality of information
handling systems arranged in racks within it. The modular data
center may also include a modular fluid handling system that
circulates fluid through the modular primary structure according,
at least in part, to a plurality of modes. The modular fluid
handling system may be designed to accommodate environmental
conditions in which the modular data center will operate as well as
the usage requirements of the modular primary structure.
Inventors: |
Schmitt; Ty; (Round Rock,
TX) ; Bailey; Mark M.; (Burnet, TX) ; Duncan;
Tyler; (Austin, TX) |
Assignee: |
DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
|
Family ID: |
46652560 |
Appl. No.: |
13/033451 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.47 ;
165/121; 361/679.46 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/20 20130101; H05K
7/20754 20130101; H05K 7/1497 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/679.47 ;
361/679.46; 165/121 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/20 20060101
G06F001/20; F28F 13/00 20060101 F28F013/00 |
Claims
1. A modular data center comprising: a first structure; a plurality
of information handling systems arranged in a rack within the first
structure; and a modular fluid handling system coupled to the first
structure, wherein modular fluid handling system comprises at least
one structural enclosure in fluid communication with the first
structure.
2. The modular data center of claim 1, wherein the at least one
structural enclosure is an air-handling unit.
3. The modular data center of claim 2, wherein the air-handling
unit is sized to accommodate a set of the plurality of information
handling systems that do not include individual air-handling
units.
4. The modular data center of claim 2, where the air-handling unit
includes at least one damper, at least one a fan, and at least one
cooling element.
5. The modular data center of claim 4, wherein the dampers are
modulated in response to environmental conditions.
6. The modular data center of claim 5, wherein the modular fluid
handling system further comprises a second structural
enclosure.
7. The modular data center of claim 6, wherein the second
structural enclosure is in fluid, electrical, and signal
communication with the first structure.
8. The modular data center of claim 2, wherein the air-handling
unit conditions air passing through the plurality of information
handling systems.
9. The modular data center of claim 7, wherein the second
structural enclosure conditions air passing through the plurality
of information handling systems.
10. The modular data center of claim 7, wherein the modular fluid
handling system further comprises a third structural enclosure in
fluid communication with both the first and the second structural
enclosures.
11. A modular fluid handling system for a modular data center,
comprising: a fan; at least one conditioning mechanism; and at
least one damper; wherein the fan is operable to circulate air
through the modular data center in an air flow pattern caused, at
least in part, by the at least one damper.
12. The modular fluid handling system of claim 11, wherein the
modular fluid handling system includes an array of air-handling
modules in fluid communication with the modular data center.
13. The modular fluid handling system of claim 12, wherein each of
the array of air-handling modules includes a fan, a conditioning
mechanism, and at least one damper, wherein the conditioning
mechanism includes a cooling mechanism, a humidity mechanism, and a
filtering mechanism.
14. The modular fluid handling system of claim 11, wherein the
modular data center includes a primary structure and the array of
air-handling units are mounted to the top of the primary
structure.
15. The modular fluid handling system of claim 14, wherein the
array of air-handling units are sized to accommodate a set of
servers within the primary structure that do not have individual
air-handling units.
16. The modular fluid handling system of claim 13, wherein the
modular fluid handling system further includes at least one sensor
and wherein the at least one damper and the conditioning mechanism
are operable to be automatically controlled using the at least one
sensor.
17. The modular fluid handling system of claim 16, wherein
automatically controlling the at least one damper and the
conditioning mechanism mixes air to maintain temperature and/or
humidity in the modular data center.
18. A method for selectably cooling a modular data center,
comprising: providing a modular data center that includes a modular
fluid handling system, wherein the modular fluid handling system
includes at least one programmable device; providing a plurality of
electronic sensors to measure environmental conditions inside and
outside of the modular data center; and providing at least one
information handling system, wherein the information handling
system is operable to receive signals from the electronic sensors
and control the at least one programmable device within the modular
fluid handling system based, at least in part, on the signals from
the electronic sensors, wherein controlling the at least one
programmable device includes mixing air to maintain temperature
and/or humidity in the modular data center.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the at least one programmable
device includes a damper, a conditioning element, and an air
mover.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the information handling system
is further operable to send alarms and promote a safety shutdown
based, at least in part, on the signals from the electronic
sensors.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/022,018 entitled "System and Method for
Designing a Configurable Modular Data Center" which was filed on
Feb. 7, 2011, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/021,971 entitled
"System and Method for Concurrent Manufacturing, Testing, and
Integration of a Modular Data Center" which was filed on Feb. 7,
2011, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/022,136 entitled "System
and Method for Structural, Modular Power Distribution in a Modular
Data Center", which was also filed on Feb. 7, 2011, U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/022,211 entitled "System and Method for an
Optimizable Rack Solution", which was also filed on Feb. 7, 2011,
all of which are incorporated herein by reference for all
purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the operation of
computer systems and information handling systems, and, more
particularly, to a System and Method for a Modular Fluid Handling
System with Modes in a Modular Data Center.
BACKGROUND
[0003] As the value and use of information continues to increase,
individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and
store information. One option available to these users is an
information handling system. An information handling system
generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates
information or data for business, personal, or other purposes
thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the
information. Because technology and information handling needs and
requirements vary between different users or applications,
information handling systems may vary with respect to the type of
information handled; the methods for handling the information; the
methods for processing, storing or communicating the information;
the amount of information processed, stored, or communicated; and
the speed and efficiency with which the information is processed,
stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling
systems allow for information handling systems to be general or
configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial
transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data
storage, or global communications. In addition, information
handling systems may include or comprise a variety of hardware and
software components that may be configured to process, store, and
communicate information and may include one or more computer
systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.
[0004] A group of information handling systems may be included
within a data center. A data center will typically include multiple
information handling systems (e.g. servers), which may be arranged
in racks. Each server will typically generate heat, and the
concentration of a number of servers in the defined space of a data
center will generate a substantial amount of heat, which can damage
sensitive components if not reduced. Special care must be taken in
the particularly confined space of a containerized data center,
commonly built in a shipping container, where heat can build
quickly. Most containerized data centers include multiple cooling
components within the shipping container to circulate air within
the data center and decrease the temperature. Commonly, one cooling
component is an air conditioning system that runs for extended
periods of time to artificially cool the interior space of the
containerized data center while the information handling systems
within the data center operate. Air conditioning and other
artificial cooling systems are notoriously power hungry, costly,
and inefficient. Cooling components also typically include fans
within the enclosure or within each server to circulate cool air
through the servers. Some containerized data centers may include
hundreds of fans, each of which require power to operate,
increasing operating costs. Each of the fans also may, at some
point, require maintenance, which typically requires taking either
a server or an entire rack of servers offline for repairs.
[0005] Additionally, information handling systems, including
servers, like all technology, undergoes upgrades and modifications.
Data centers are often reconfigured to meet new and/or different
equipment needs. This may require that individual racks and servers
be relocated and/or replaced. Containerized data centers, due to
the unique cooling considerations discussed above, are typically
designed with cooling components and cooling systems tailored to
one configuration of racks using a particular type of servers.
Changing the placement of racks or the type of server in a
containerized data center can render a containerized data center's
cooling system ineffective. Accordingly, the cooling components and
cooling systems of typical containerized data center make upgrading
or modifying the data center costly and inefficient.
SUMMARY
[0006] In accordance with the present disclosure, a system and
method for a modular fluid handling system with modes in a modular
data center is presented. According to the present application, a
modular data center may include a modular primary structure. The
modular primary structure may include a plurality of information
handling systems arranged in racks within it. The modular data
center may also include a modular fluid handling system that
circulates fluid through the modular primary structure according,
at least in part, to a plurality of modes. The modular fluid
handling system may be designed to accommodate environmental
conditions in which the modular data center will operate as well as
the usage requirements of the modular primary structure.
[0007] The system and method disclosed herein is technically
advantageous because it increases the efficiency of a modular data
center by providing a plurality of modes that may reduce the power
required to maintain fluid movement and temperature within the
modular data center. In some embodiments, the modular fluid
handling system may be located outside of the primary enclosure of
the modular data center, allowing for a much wider range of fluid
handling designs and freeing up valuable space for information
handling systems within the primary structure of the modular data
center. Other technical advantages will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art in view of the following specification,
claims, and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and
advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which like reference numbers indicate like features, and
wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a functional illustration of one embodiment of a
modular data center incorporating a modular fluid handling
system.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a cross section of a modular data center
incorporating one embodiment of a modular fluid handling
system.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross section of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2
that includes air flow patterns.
[0012] FIG. 3a is cross section of a modular data center
incorporating one embodiment of a modular fluid handling
system.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a functional illustration of the modular data
center in FIG. 2 operating in a first mode.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a functional illustration of the modular data
center in FIG. 2 operating in a second mode.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross section of a modular data center
incorporating an embodiment of a modular fluid handling system.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a cross section of a modular data center
incorporating an embodiment of a modular fluid handling system.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a functional illustration of the modular data
center in FIG. 7 operating in a first mode.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a functional illustration of the modular data
center in FIG. 7 operating in second mode.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a functional illustration of the modular data
center in FIG. 7 operating in a third mode.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] For purposes of this disclosure, an information handling
system may include any instrumentality or aggregate of
instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit,
receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest,
detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of
information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific,
control, or other purposes. For example, an information handling
system may be a personal computer, a network storage device, or any
other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance,
functionality, and price. The information handling system may
include random access memory (RAM), one or more processing
resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or
software control logic, ROM, and/or other types of nonvolatile
memory. Additional components of the information handling system
may include one or more disk drives, one or more network ports for
communication with external devices as well as various input and
output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video
display. The information handling system may also include one or
more buses operable to transmit communications between the various
hardware components.
[0021] Shown in FIG. 1 is a functional illustration of a modular
data center 100, according to one embodiment of the present
invention. The modular data center 100 includes primary structure
101. The primary structure 101 typically includes a plurality of
information handling systems mounted in racks. FIG. 1 further
includes a modular fluid handling system 102, which includes a
plurality of air-handling units 102 mounted on top of primary
structure 101. As will be discussed below, a modular fluid handling
system can be installed without affecting the placement of racks
within a modular data center, may include a plurality of different
sized structural enclosures, modules, and fluid handling equipment
with different functions, may be designed to allow the removal of
all fluid handling elements from within the primary structure 101,
and may include a plurality of modes.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a cross section of a modular data center 200
according to one embodiment of the present invention, and includes
a cross section of one embodiment of a component of a modular fluid
handling system, air-handling unit 220. The modular data center 200
may comprise a modular data center as described in cross-referenced
application entitled "System and Method for Designing a
Configurable Modular Data Center." Modular data center 200 includes
a primary structure 210, which may correspond to an IT module from
the cross-referenced application. The primary structure 210
includes a base 212, top 213, and sides 214. The sides 214 of the
primary structure 210 may be open, allowing fluid communication
between the outside environment and the interior of the primary
structure 210. Within the primary structure are racks 215,
populated within information handling systems. Between the racks
215 is an aisle 216. Above the aisle 216, between the air-handling
unit 220 and the primary structure 210 is an aperture 217. The
aperture 217 is formed when an opening in the top 213 of the
primary structure 210 aligns with an opening in the bottom of
air-handling unit 220. Fluid communication is possible between the
air-handling unit 220 and the aisle 216 of the primary structure
210 through the aperture 217.
[0023] Air-handling unit 220 may be mounted above the primary
structure 210, as shown in FIG. 2. The air-handling unit 220 may be
one of a plurality of similarly sized and designed air-handling
units that are mounted on top of primary structure 201, as can be
seen, for example, in FIG. 1. Air-handling unit 220 may also share
at least one dimension in common with the primary structure 210,
width as shown in FIG. 2. Other embodiments may include
air-handling units manufactured integrally with the primary
structure, air-handling units in a variety of shapes and sizes, as
well as air-handling units in other locations, such as along the
sides of the primary structure, or underneath the primary
structure. The air-handling unit 220 of FIG. 2 includes a fan 221
mounted over aperture 217 along the bottom of the air-handling unit
220, which may be bi-directional, such that it can either push air
into primary structure 210 or pull air out of primary structure
210. The air-handling unit 220 also includes a dampers 222. One
damper may be located along the top of the air-handling unit 220,
which can be modulated to effectuate fluid communication between
the interior of the air-handling unit 220 and the outside
environment through the top of the air-handling unit 220. The
air-handling unit 220 may also include dampers 222 located between
the fan 221 and cooling mechanisms 223 on both sides of the
air-handling unit 220. The air-handling unit 220 may be in fluid
communication with the outside environment through the cooling
mechanisms 223. In one embodiment, the cooling mechanisms 223 are
coils through which chilled water is circulated. The coils
effectuate heat transfer between the air passing through the coils
and the water within the coils, effectively cooling the air as it
passes through. Other well known cooling mechanisms could also be
used instead of cooling mechanisms 223.
[0024] Another embodiment of a modular fluid handling system may be
refrigerant unit 250. The refrigerant unit 250 may be connected via
pipes or tubes 252 to coils within the racks 215. The refrigerant
unit 250 may pump refrigerant through coils within the racks 215,
thereby removing heat from the racks. This embodiment is
advantageous because it removes heat from the racks without
requiring constant airflow through the racks 215. The refrigerant
unit 250 is also illustrative of the fact that modular fluid
handling units are not limited to the movement of air; rather, many
fluids well known in the art, such as water or refrigerant, may be
circulated via a modular fluid handling unit.
[0025] FIG. 3 is the cross section of the modular data center 200
of FIG. 2 with arrows to illustrate the possible airflow patterns
through the modular data center associated with the embodiment of
the modular fluid handling system shown. As shown, the fan 221 of
the air-handling unit 220 is set to pull air from the aisle 216 of
the primary structure 210. When air is pulled from the aisle 216 of
the primary structure 210, the effective air pressure within the
aisle 216 is decreased. To equalize the air pressure within the
aisle 216, air flows from the outside environment through sides 214
and then into the aisle 216 through racks 215. The direction of fan
221 may be reversed, so that air pressure within the aisle 216 is
increased. The air will then flow from the aisle 216 through the
racks 215 to the outside environment. Whether the fan 221 is set to
push air into the aisle 216 or pull air from the aisle 216,
however, generating airflow through the entire primary structure in
the manner described above it beneficial. In particular, generating
airflow through the entire primary structure using the embodiment
of the modular fluid handling system shown in FIG. 3 allows for the
removal of the individual air handling units, such as fans, from
each of the information handling systems located within the primary
structure--providing a substantial cost and power savings--while at
the same time simplifying the placement of information handling
systems within the primary enclosure.
[0026] The air-handling unit 220 shown in the embodiment of the
modular data center 200 shown in FIG. 3 is additionally
advantageous because it can be selectably run in at least two
modes, which may incorporate non-conditioned, outside air. As
mentioned previously, existing containerized data centers typically
include cooling systems, such as air conditioning systems, that run
continuously, or for extended periods of time, to cool the interior
of the data center. These air conditioning systems are power
hungry, costly, and inefficient. The embodiment of the modular
fluid handling system shown in FIG. 3 may include multiple modes,
where air or another fluid may be circulated through the primary
structure 210, and the information handling systems within the
primary structure 210, using all fresh air or a mixture of fresh
and conditioned air. Once the air is pulled from the aisle 216 as
shown in FIG. 3, the air accumulates within the air-handling unit
220, building air pressure. If the dampers 222 on either side of
the fan 221 are open and the damper 222 on the top of the
air-handling unit 220 is closed, the air is forced through the
artificial cooling mechanisms 223. The temperature of the air
decreases as it travels through the cooling mechanisms 223, mixes
with the fresh air outside of the modular data center--effectively
lowering the temperature of the air surrounding the data
center--and is circulated back through the modular data center 200.
In this manner, the modular data center 200 can utilize a mixture
of fresh and cooled air, particularly when the fresh air is
slightly above the normal temperature range of the information
handling system. This mode of operation may be called the "chilled
water" mode, a functional diagram of which can be seen at FIG.
4.
[0027] When the damper 222 at the top of the air-handling unit is
open and the dampers 222 on either side of the fan 221 are closed,
the air within the air-handling unit 220 of FIG. 3 may escape
through the top of the air-handling unit 220, bypassing the cooling
mechanisms 223. This mode may be called bypass mode, a functional
diagram of which can be seen at FIG. 5. When in bypass mode, the
cooling mechanisms 223 can normally be turned off, providing a
substantial power savings. Once the heated air escapes the
air-handling units 210, the air will generally mix with the
environmental air and dissipate. In some embodiments, the air may
be directed through the damper 222 at the top of the air-handling
unit 220 into a baffling or duct work 255 attached to the top of
the air-handling unit 222. This configuration is particularly
advantageous when the modular data center 200 is installed within a
building or structure, such as an air-conditioned warehouse, with
an external temperature regulation system that takes the exhaust
air, cools it, and pumps temperature controlled air back into the
environment surrounding the modular data center.
[0028] The modular fluid handling system incorporated in the
embodiment of the modular data center shown in FIG. 3 is useful,
for example, in indoor environments or in outdoor environments,
where conditions are ideal, or close to ideal, e.g. where the air
temperature is generally moderate and the humidity is low. Other
modular data centers may be deployed in indoor environments only,
where the air intake is conditioned, and the heated exhaust air is
vented away from the modular data center. One such example modular
data center is modular data center 300, found in FIG. 3a. Like FIG.
3, FIG. 3a shows a cross section of a modular data center with a
primary structure 310 and a modular fluid handling system 320. Like
the modular data center 200 of FIG. 3, the modular fluid handling
system 320 is in fluid communication with primary structure 310
through an aperture 302. The modular fluid handling system 320 may
also be in electrical and signal communication with the primary
structure 310 through a plurality of wires and connectors. The
electrical and signal communications may be useful to provide power
to and control elements within the modular fluid handling system
320. Unlike the modular data center in FIG. 3, the modular fluid
handling system 320 includes two fans 322, positioned perpendicular
to the aperture 302. The modular fluid handling system 320 may also
include dampers 324 which may control the amount of airflow out of
the modular fluid handling system. As can be seen via the arrows in
FIG. 3a, conditioned air is pulled into the sides of the modular
data center 300 through the open sides of the data center. The air
then passes through the information handling systems within the
racks 304 of the modular data center. The air is then drawn up into
the modular fluid handling system where it may pass by dampers 324
and be expelled through the top of the modular fluid handling
system 300. As can be seen, the modular fluid handling system 320
includes solid sides so that the air is forced through the upper
opening in the modular fluid handling system 320 and into the
venting system 330, which removes the exhaust air.
[0029] If environmental conditions are not ideal, if the air is too
humid, for example, or the temperature too extreme (hot or cold),
using fresh air may not be ideal, as it may harm sensitive
components within the information handling systems. Other
embodiments of a modular data center may incorporate embodiments of
a modular fluid handling system that are designed for such
environments. One such embodiment is the modular data center 600
shown, via cross section, in FIG. 6. The modular data center 600
includes a primary structure 610 with a base 611, sides 612, and
top 613 and a modular fluid handling system 620. The modular fluid
handling system 620 includes a air-handling unit 630 and a
containment module 640. The primary structure 610 includes only one
row of racks 614. Within the primary structure 610 is an aisle 616,
accessible through a door, which occupies the leftmost space of the
primary structure 610. Above the aisle 616 is an aperture 617,
formed when an opening in the top 613 of the primary structure 610
aligns with an opening in the bottom of air-handling unit 630.
Fluid communication is possible between primary structure 610 and
the air-handling unit 630 through the aperture 617. Fluid
communication is also possible between the primary structure 610
and the containment module 640 through the side 612 disposed
between the interior of the primary structure 610 and the
containment module 640.
[0030] Attached above the primary structure 610 in FIG. 6, is
air-handling unit 630 with a width substantially the same as the
width of the primary structure 610. The air-handling unit 630
includes an enclosure 631, which is positioned over the aperture
617 in the air-handling unit 630. Attached to the side of the
enclosure 631 is a fan 632, which can be operated bi-directionally.
Cooling mechanism 633 is included along the side of the
air-handling unit 630, as described previously. The air-handling
unit 630 is in fluid communication with containment module 620
through the cooling mechanism 633. The air containment module 640
captures and contains the air that is circulated through the
modular data center 600. As can be seen by the air flow arrows, the
fan 632 is set to pull air from the aisle 616, causing air to be
pulled in from the containment module 640 through the racks 614.
The air from the aisle 616 is pulled into the air-handling unit
630, where it travels through and is cooled by the cooling
mechanism 633. The cooled air then flows into the air containment
module 640, to be recirculated back into the primary structure 610.
Notably lacking from the modular data center 600 of FIG. 6 is the
capability to switch between modes. Rather, due to the dirty air
environment for which the modular fluid handling system of the
modular data center 630 is designed, all air must be cooled and
recirculated. The modular data center 630 of FIG. 6, however, is
still advantageous because it allows for the removal of the fans
included within each information handling system designed to
circulate air, and does not restrict the placement of racks and
information handling systems within the primary structure 610.
Additionally, modular data center 630 can be placed in a variety of
environments, as it does not rely on outside air circulation. This
arrangement may be particularly advantageous when used, for
example, in the design of a modular data center according to the
aforementioned cross-referenced application entitled "System and
Method for Designing a Configurable Modular Data Center."
[0031] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a modular data
center 700 designed for use in non-ideal environment conditions,
but which incorporates a modular fluid handling system 720 that
provides multiple modes, including modes for cooling and heating
external air. The modular data center 700 includes a primary
structure 710 with a base 711, sides 712, and top 713. The modular
fluid handling system 720 includes an air-handling unit 730, a
mixing unit 740, and an evaporative unit 750. The primary structure
710 includes one row of racks 714. Within the primary structure 710
is an aisle 715, which occupies the leftmost space of the primary
structure 710. Above the aisle 715 is an aperture 716, formed when
an opening in the top 713 of the primary structure 710 aligns with
an opening in the bottom of air-handling unit 730. Fluid
communication is possible between the air-handling unit and the
primary structure 710 and the air-handling unit 730 through the
aperture. Fluid communication is also possible between the primary
structure 710 and the evaporative module 750 through the side 712
disposed between the interior of the primary structure 710 and the
evaporative module 750.
[0032] Attached above the primary structure 710 in FIG. 7, is
air-handling unit 730 with a width substantially the same as the
width of the primary structure 710. The air-handling unit 730
includes an enclosure 731, which is positioned over the aperture
716 in the air-handling unit 730. Attached to the side of the
enclosure 731 is a fan 632. The air-handling unit 730 also includes
two dampers 733 and 734. Damper 733, when modulated to an open
position, allows air from within the air-handling unit to mix with
air outside of the modular data center 700. Damper 734, when
opened, allows fluid communication between the air-handling unit
730 and the mixing unit 740. Mixing unit 740 is in fluid
communication, via vents or other well known materials, with the
evaporative module 750. Mixing module 740 also includes a damper
741, which, when opened, allows fluid communication between the
mixing module 740 and the outside environment. Evaporative unit 750
includes an cooling mechanism 751, such as an evaporator, which can
cool the air as well as decrease the humidity within the intake. In
some embodiments, the air intake side of mixing module 740 and
evaporative module 750 may be covered by at least one protection
element, which allows the modular data center to operate outdoors,
exposed to environmental elements and animals. These protection
elements may include, but are not limited to, storm louvers, bird
screens, filtration elements, and dampers. In operation, air may
first pass through storm louvers, which may be automatically opened
or closed depending on whether conditions using programmable logic,
then the bird screens, which prevent animals from harming the
electronic equipment within the modular data center, then filters,
which removes particulate matter from the air, and finally
evaporative media, which conditions the air for use within the
modular data center.
[0033] The embodiment of the modular data center 700 that
incorporates the modular fluid handling system 720 provides a
plurality of modes through the modulation of dampers--air
temperature, humidity, etc. In some embodiments, the modular fluid
handling system 720 may be automated. For example, the modular
fluid handling system may include a plurality of sensor in the
primary structure 710, the air-handling unit 730, or outside of the
modular data center 700. These sensors may electronically read air
temperature and humidity and send the reading to an information
handling system. Depending on the environmental readings, the
information handling system may electronically and in an automatic
fashion cause particular dampers within the modular fluid handling
system 720 to be modulated based on predetermined airflow patterns
and conditions. The dampers may be modulated using any of a number
of system well known in the art, such as electronic motors. In some
embodiments, programmable logic on an information handling system
may be used to control the dampers as well as the fans and the
cooling elements within the modular fluid handling system
[0034] The modular fluid handling system 720 incorporated into
modular data center 700 may include at least three modes. In the
first mode, illustrated as a functional illustration in FIG. 8,
dampers 734 and 741 are closed, damper 733 is open, and damper 751
is open and the cooling mechanism 751 is turned off. As can be see
in FIG. 8, the modular data center uses as intake the fresh,
non-artificially cooled air outside the modular data center 700 and
expels the air through the top of the modular data center, making
the first cooling mode useful in moderate conditions. Returning to
FIG. 7, with dampers 734 and 741 closed, and artificial cooling
mechanism 751 turned off, the outside air enters the modular data
center 700, without being cooled, and is pulled through the side
712 of the primary structure 710 and into the aisle 715, past racks
714. The air is then pulled from the aisle 715 and into the
air-handling unit 730 by fan 732. Once in the air handling unit
730, the air is expelled through the top of the air handling unit
730, due to the damper 733 being open and the damper 734 being
closed. This cooling mode is the most efficient, because no
artificial cooling system is required and none of the information
handling systems within the primary structure 710 require fans to
move the air through the racks 715.
[0035] The second mode, functionally illustrated in FIG. 9, may be
used in conditions where the outside air is too cold to be used as
is, and requires dampers in 751 to be closed, dampers in 741 to be
open and dampers 733 and 734 are modulated to control the balance
of module exhaust air and the amount of exhaust air that is mixed
with outside air. When the modular fluid handling system 720 is
operating in this mode, the air enters the modular data center 700
through the mixing unit 740, past the damper 741. The air entering
the mixing unit 740 from the outside mixes with air entering the
mixing unit 740 from the air-handling unit 730 via damper 734.
Because the outside air is cold or too humid, and the air from the
air-handling unit is warmer--after passing through the information
handling systems--the air mixes in the mixing chamber to a
temperature that is within a predetermined temperature or humidity
range. If the air is too cold or too warm, for example, the dampers
733, 734 or 741 can be modulated, restricting the amount of air
entering the mixing unit 740 for either the air-handling unit 730
of the outside, thereby changing the resultant air temperature or
humidity. The warm air from the mixing unit 740 is then pulled into
the evaporative module 750, through the racks 715, and into the
aisle 716 by the fan 732. The air is them pulled into the
air-handling unit 730, where some of the air is expelled into the
outside via damper 733 and some enters the mixing unit 740 via
damper 734.
[0036] The third mode, functionally illustrated in FIG. 10, may be
used in conditions where the outside air is too hot to be used as
is, and requires dampers 734 and 741 to be closed, the damper in
751 to be opened, and the cooling mechanism 751 to be turned on. As
can be seen in FIG. 10, the third cooling mode includes an airflow
pattern very similar to the airflow pattern of the first mode,
illustrated in FIG. 8. The difference is that the cooling mechanism
751 is turned on in FIG. 10 to cool the outside air before it
enters the modular data center 700, as the air outside is too hot.
Even though this mode requires the cooling mechanism 751 to be
turned on, using power, this mode still provides efficiency
advantages because the air can be circulated through the primary
structure 710 without using fans in each of the individual
information handling systems. Example cooling mechanisms may be
evaporative, direct expansion, chilled water, or indirect
expansion.
[0037] Although the disclosure has describe the movement of air
through a modular data center, a modular fluid handling system
should not be seen as limited to the movement of air through a data
center. Instead, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in
the art in view of this disclosure, any number of fluids may moved
and handled within the scope of this disclosure. For example, a
modular fluid handling system may also include the movement of
refrigerant, water, or any fluid well known in the art.
Additionally, a modular fluid handling system should not be seen as
limited to cooling a modular data center. Instead, a modular fluid
handling system may be used to cool, heat, move air, condition air,
move water, etc.
[0038] The modular fluid handling system for a modular data center
described herein will tend to reduce the cost of manufacturing and
operating a modular data center. The power necessary to cool a
modular data center can be decreased by circulating fresh,
non-artificially cooled air through the modular data center.
Additionally, the information handling systems no longer need
individual fans to circulate air if air is circulated throughout
the interior of a modular data center. Also, locating a cooling
system outside of the primary enclosure of a modular data center
saves space within the data center, and makes placing information
handling systems within the system easier. Although the present
disclosure has been described in detail, it should be understood
that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made
hereto without departing from the spirit and the scope of the
invention as defined by the appended claims.
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